Europe Rare Vinça head idol in terracotta from the 3rd Millennium B.C., Spanish export license. - 6 cm
Opens Sunday
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 3,300 - € 3,700
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Description from the seller
This superb piece represents an idol head from the Vinča culture modeled in terracotta (with stand), dating from the 3rd millennium BC. The stylized and simplified features of the head, with vertical lines carved into the skull and arched eyebrows extending downwards, indicate symbolic attention to detail and possible ritual meanings. The vertical lines could suggest some kind of ornament or even a hairstyle stylization, while the eyes are represented in an abstract and prominent manner. The perforations on the sides and top of the head suggest that this piece may have been hung or attached to another object or structure, serving a ritual or decorative function.
The idol stands out for its minimalist design and the clear markings that structure the face, invoking the abstract aesthetic that characterizes the Neolithic cultures of prehistoric Europe. The piece is in good condition, showing some signs of wear typical of its age, which adds authenticity and historical value.
Culture and historical context: The Vinča culture, primarily located in the territories that today comprise Serbia, Romania, and other Balkan countries, is one of the earliest civilizations in Europe to leave a significant legacy in art and religious rituals. Known for their agricultural settlements and intricate pottery, the Vinča developed a distinctive visual language reflected in ritual figures and symbols such as this idol. These depictions of human heads may have served a protective function or facilitated communication with the divine, a common practice in Neolithic cultures.
Acquired from a Belgium private collection, D.T in the 80s.
The piece includes an authenticity certificate as well as a Spanish Export License (Passport for European Union).
IMPORTANT: Due to new laws on the export of archaeological pieces, we have decided to NO LONGER sell outside the European territory for the following countries: Switzerland & United States of America.
For destinations outside European territory: all our items will be shipped after obtaining a definitive EXPORT LICENSE from the Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between
4-8 weeks. According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subject to export taxes. The taxes will be added to the invoice at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed based on the final auction price, and the tax rate is not applied directly to the total value of the item to be exported, but rather, different percentages are applied to sections of it.
Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. / From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
Please note that for far destinations (Asia, Middle East, etc.), there will be an additional cost for shipping.
This superb piece represents an idol head from the Vinča culture modeled in terracotta (with stand), dating from the 3rd millennium BC. The stylized and simplified features of the head, with vertical lines carved into the skull and arched eyebrows extending downwards, indicate symbolic attention to detail and possible ritual meanings. The vertical lines could suggest some kind of ornament or even a hairstyle stylization, while the eyes are represented in an abstract and prominent manner. The perforations on the sides and top of the head suggest that this piece may have been hung or attached to another object or structure, serving a ritual or decorative function.
The idol stands out for its minimalist design and the clear markings that structure the face, invoking the abstract aesthetic that characterizes the Neolithic cultures of prehistoric Europe. The piece is in good condition, showing some signs of wear typical of its age, which adds authenticity and historical value.
Culture and historical context: The Vinča culture, primarily located in the territories that today comprise Serbia, Romania, and other Balkan countries, is one of the earliest civilizations in Europe to leave a significant legacy in art and religious rituals. Known for their agricultural settlements and intricate pottery, the Vinča developed a distinctive visual language reflected in ritual figures and symbols such as this idol. These depictions of human heads may have served a protective function or facilitated communication with the divine, a common practice in Neolithic cultures.
Acquired from a Belgium private collection, D.T in the 80s.
The piece includes an authenticity certificate as well as a Spanish Export License (Passport for European Union).
IMPORTANT: Due to new laws on the export of archaeological pieces, we have decided to NO LONGER sell outside the European territory for the following countries: Switzerland & United States of America.
For destinations outside European territory: all our items will be shipped after obtaining a definitive EXPORT LICENSE from the Ministry of Culture of Spain. We inform our clients that it may take between
4-8 weeks. According to Spanish legislation, items sent outside the European Union are subject to export taxes. The taxes will be added to the invoice at the buyer's expense. These export fees are fixed based on the final auction price, and the tax rate is not applied directly to the total value of the item to be exported, but rather, different percentages are applied to sections of it.
Up to 6,000 euros: 5%. / From 6,001 to 60,000 euros: 10%.
Please note that for far destinations (Asia, Middle East, etc.), there will be an additional cost for shipping.
Details
Culture
Europe
Century/ Timeframe
3rd millennium BC
Name of object
Rare Vinça head idol in terracotta from the 3rd Millennium B.C., Spanish export license.
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
80
Country acquired from
Belgium
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
6 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
80
Width
5 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Belgium
Depth
4 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
